I started this prayer book with my father’s prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to come into my heart and guide my actions.

Another lovely hymn/poem by an unknown but obviously talented author. What I love is how clear the view of how the Holy Spirit is there for the asking, “Guide the steps that go astray.”   From Catholic Hymns by Henry Formby, 1853 now public domain Light immortal, Light divine Holy Spirit, Lord of light, From Thy […]

This tribute to the Holy Spirit is believed to have been written by Robert II, King of France, known as called the Pious, (the wise) Robert was born in the late 900’s, a devout catholic, poet and hymn-writer and helped found a Benedictine monastery located in Noyers.  When I read this troubled and violent history […]

I searched the Catechism of the Catholic Church for references to the Holy Spirit. In section 2670-2672, it mentions this prayer which is formed from a combination of The Roman Missal, Pentecost Sequence, and Byzantine Liturgy, Pentecost Vespers, Troparion. Come Holy Spirit, renew within me the grace of my Baptism and lead me each and […]

I first heard this prayer as I sat in a classroom in Drimnagh Castle Catholic School on the outskirts of Dublin Ireland. The Christian brother who recited the prayer went on to inform us, in no uncertain terms,  “that we should NOT ask God for things because God already knows what we need.”   Recently, […]

Even though this is an old prayer it is very relevant for our time of technology and digital social connectivity, distracting us from the importance of God.  May we all remember to turn off the gadgets and learn to focus on the Blessed Trinity. Holy Ghost, Show Us How to Turn Towards God O most […]

-author unknown These older prayers are quaint in their use of language while empowering the laity to find God in ways usually reserved for his apostles, popes, priests, sisters, and brothers.  So the first time I read this prayer of glory, I physically shuck with the power of the Holy Spirit.   I realized instantly […]

My aunt Josie, Lord rest her blessed soul was one of the holiest women I have ever known.  When she passed away, I was given her prayerbook as a gift. It is one of my most cherished holy items.  In it, I found over fifty Mass cards from the funerals she attended over the years, […]

Collecting old prayer books I love to collect old books, especially rare prayer books because they are a treasure trove of lost words to God. If you have a prayer book handed down from generation to generation, consider yourself blessed. Some of the prayers found in these books may have been recited thousands of times […]

The next seven prayers to the Holy Ghost were found in a 1940’ era prayer book given to my wife by her Polish father. I’ve tried to keep them as close to their original form as they are amazing ‘as is.’  This one is used to purify our hearts after a trial in our lives […]

I felt inspired to write this small prayer after reading a section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Vitican.va.  Part two, Chapter three, article eight, line 116. Right after it mentions  “Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit.” and “He might immediately give the Holy Spirit by “breathing” on his disciples? Oh Holy Spirit, Spirit […]

This is the second time I am using a prayer to the Holy Spirit from Saint Augustine (shown in a painting by Philippe de Champaigne). A person who influenced Christianity in a profound way through is writing, miracles and deeds. This prayer survived almost 1600 years and continues to be read by Christians all over […]